Former Longview mayor dies

He was a businessman and a leader in the city of Longview. Former mayor Lou Galosy has passed away. KLTV 7 confirmed Lou's passing with his widow Wednesday evening.

Lou served as the mayor of Longview in the late 1980's and early 90's. He even had a street named after him, Lou Galosy Way.

Here is Lou's obituary from Rader Funeral Home:

Born on May 26, 1923 Departed on Jan. 8, 2013 and resided in Longview, TX.

Louis Galosy, local businessman, civic leader, and former mayor, died on January 8, 2013, in Longview, Texas. Mr. Galosy was born on May 26, 1923, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Margaret and Harry A. Galosy. He was married for 31 years to Jane Eley Cunningham of Longview. A family service will be held under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.

Mr. Galosy attended public schools in St. Louis, and after high school graduation, attended Washington University. In April 1942, Lou enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II as a Navy pilot from 1942 until 1946. He later served his beloved Country from 1950 to 1952 as a Navy pilot during the Korean War.

In September 1952, Lou moved to Longview, Texas, where he managed Riff's, a women's apparel store. In 1960, he and Jane Cunningham opened and operated Galosy's Women's Apparel until the store was sold in 1980. Lou then began his career in the banking industry where he served on the Board of American Bank from 1979 until 1984, was Senior Vice President of Bank One from 1984 until 2004, and later worked in business development for Citizens National Bank until his retirement in December 2011. He was one who always strived for excellent customer service and reveled in the success of his many friends and customers. Lou was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church for many years.

One of Lou's greatest personal achievements was his effort with two other men to incorporate and lease Gregg Memorial Hospital in 1960. This was the beginning of Good Shepherd Hospital, and he faithfully served on the hospital Board for 17 years and as President for 3 years.

In 1985 Lou was elected by the citizens of Longview to serve as its Mayor. He worked diligently with the City Council and Longview citizens for two terms from 1985 until 1991.

As a community volunteer and leader, Lou served on numerous Boards, a few which include the Gregg County Tax Appraisal District, Gregg County Airport, and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. For the year 1991-1992, Lou was honored as a recipient of the Rotary Citizen of the Year. Additionally, he recently received the honor from the Longview Economic Development Corporation of having a street named for him in the North Industrial Park.

Lou is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jane Eley Cunningham of Longview; a son, Dr. Richard Galosy and his wife, Dr. Jodie Galosy of Medford, New Jersey; a granddaughter, Marilyn Galosy of Burbank, California; stepgrandson, Alan Cammack of Salida, Colorado, and a sister, Marie Kamentzky of St. Louis, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Amelia Lee Cunningham, and by his parents, Harry and Margaret Galosy.

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